The Berghaus Yeti Attak II is a classic gaiter that encloses your footwear, with a rubber rand creating a waterproof seal between gaiter and boot. There is a front zip with a Velcro stormflap and drawcord at the top. The material is Gore-Tex for maximum waterproofness and breathability, but there’s also a very tough outer face fabric for durability. 5/5

Fit

Yetis come in unisex sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and XXXL, and you have to fit them to a pair of stiffened boots such as B1, B2 or B3 boots, as on softer 3-season boots they will just come off. Once on, they make a close fit if they suit the boot – but you do need appropriate footwear. So these are not for everyone. 4/5

Comfort

I first used Berghaus Yetis back in about 1990; they are very comfortable and keep all the water out. As they are Gore-Tex you get good condensation control and as they are not too close a fit to the leg, you get some airflow. Probably the most comfortable gaiter there is, as they keep you the most dry. 5/5

In use

On the right boots Berghaus Yeti Attak IIs are superb but once on they have to stay on, meaning you cannot take them on or off throughout a trip. This means they are perfect in winter or for bog-trotting but a pain in other more varied conditions. They are not too baggy and not too tight, and the front zip works well. The top drawcord toggle is a little basic as it is not stretchy but it’s functional enough. 4/5

Value

The price is high so you need to decide if you need this level of protection and will get the use out of them to justify the outlay. 3/5

Verdict

For maximum protection on stiffer boots Berghaus Yeti Attak IIs are a well-proven classic, but they have limitations too. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.2/5

The Exolite stretch woven fabric comprises of 92% nylon, which makes it very durable but also very breathable, plus it sheds light moisture so it’s a good all-rounder. There are four front pockets with zips plus a rear zipped pocket. The ankle cuff is zipped to the calf with a gusset behind. A waistbelt is provided along with a soft brushed waist lining. Others can boast a few more features, though. 4/5

Fit

For men the Mountain Equipment Ibex comes in 30-38 with three leg lengths and for women the Chamois comes in 8-16 with two leg lengths. The belt helps that fit further, while the zipped leg can be adjusted. The fit on me was slightly closer than others here, while the diamond crotch panel allowed more freedom of movement. 5/5

Comfort

The material has good two-way stretch, and this enhances comfort. Also, the wide waistband has a soft brushed lining, making this area particularly neat and comfy. The fabric itself is quite soft on the skin compared to some lower-priced options too. It is very breathable and resists the worst of the wind and light rain, so it’s great all year round. 5/5

In use

The two hip pockets and seat pocket take an OS map, but the other two front pockets are smaller. You don’t get a lace hook at the ankle cuff, waterproof panels on the knees or seat, or the triple stitching of some trousers, but overall the Mountain Equipment Ibex trousers are ideal for general hillwalking and scrambling, and hard to fault. They have a decent weight too so you won’t mind putting them in your pack while wearing shorts. 4/5

Value

The price is excellent for what you’re getting, as for many walkers these are better than the higher-priced options. 5/5

Verdict

The Mountain Equipment Ibex trousers are solid, all-rounders, with higher-priced options only offering minor benefits that you may not need. 4.6/5

Fjällräven’s G1000 material comprising of 65% polyester and 35% cotton can be treated with Greenland Wax in areas where more water resistance is required. It’s also a very breathable fabric. There are lots of other features here, though, including five large pockets, ankle cuff press-stud adjustment and a lace hook so you can secure the cuff area. There is no stretch in the fabric though. 4/5

Fit

The Fjällräven Vidda Pro trousers are available in size 44-60 (29-42in) for men and 34-48 (6-20in) for women and two leg lengths. These were a larger fit than others of the same size, so you might want to go down a size. The waist has belt loops, but no belt and no braces option. There is no elasticated or stretch here either, so you may need to check the fit. 4/5

Comfort

There is no stretch so comfort comes down to fit in part. The fabric itself is quite light (the weight comes from other features) and ideal for year-round use. It does need the wax applying to create good water resistance, though, but it is more breathable than others so it works well under overtrousers. But apply the wax in key areas and these do provide a good comfort. 4/5

In use

The Fjällräven Vidda Pro trousers have huge thigh pockets that are great for OS maps or guidebooks, making them great for backpacking. The double layers of fabric on the knee and seat add vital extra abrasion resistance and you can adjust the cuffs. But others have stretch and a closer fit that can be enhanced with ankle cuff side zips, which make them better for scrambling. All those pockets have made these heavy. 4/5

Value

A good price for what you’re getting, as there are lots of pockets that are really useful. 4/5

Verdict

The Fjällräven Vidda Pros are excellent backpacking trousers with superb pockets, but scramblers may prefer trousers with more stretch. 4.0/5

The Berghaus GTX Gaiter is a Gore-Tex product, so waterproofness and breathability levels are extremely high. There is also a stretch panel up the rear of the leg for a closer fit. The underfoot strap is extremely robust too and can be easily adjusted or replaced. But there is no front zip, just a Velcro closure, and no press stud at the bottom of that closure. A top press stud and drawcord are provided however. 4/5

Fit

It comes in three sizes – S/M, L/XL and XXL – all in regular and long lengths, so it should fit most folk. The L/XL (long) fitted well over my 46/11 boots and sat nicely under my knee. There is stretch material down the back of the leg so this fits closer than lower-priced gaiters. The underfoot strap is adjusted with Velcro. 5/5

Comfort

Being close-fitting, even in Gore-Tex, means this gaiter is a little clammier as there is less airflow; however it is not flapping about – so there are pros and cons to that closer fit. But the boot is well-covered to keep water out. Also the top press stud is just to the side of the knee and the drawcords are neatly tucked away. So comfort is good here. 5/5

In use

The Berghaus GTX Gaiter weighs in at 242g (pair, size L/XL long) so you won’t mind carrying a pair in your rucksack. They don’t have a front zip and there is no press stud at the bottom so getting them on is a little more hassle than some models. But once on they are great. I like the more durable underfoot strap that is easily replaced, and also I like the fact that they are not too flappy. Just give me a zipped opening! 4/5

Value

The cost is creeping up here due the use of Gore-Tex and that stretch Gore-Tex panel but there is no zip, so feels pricy. 3/5

Verdict

If you prefer a closer-fitting gaiter then the Berghaus GTX Gaiter is it, but there is no front zip so you also need to like Velcro closures. 4.2/5

eVent fabric is used in the Rab Hispar Gaiter, and this is well-proven to be extremely waterproof and extremely breathable. It is a full-length gaiter with a front zip and wide Velcro covering that also has press studs at top and bottom. A drawcord is provided at the top, while a rubberised abrasion-resistant underfoot strap keeps the gaiter in place. A lace hook completes a good feature list. 5/5

Fit

It’s available in sizes S, M and L – a wider range than some. The underfoot strap is easily adjusted for length via a ladder-lock buckle. The size L fitted my size 46/11 boots well, covering much of the lace area, and coming up just under my knee. The leg fit was fairly close but not restrictive or too baggy either. 5/5

Comfort

The Rab Hispar Gaiter uses extremely waterproof and breathable eVent fabric so condensation is going to be better managed here than elsewhere. It is also quite a soft fabric that is used so it does not feel uncomfortable when moving. The top drawcord is neatly placed at the side, which I found comfortable, and generally this felt great to wear. 5/5

In use

The Rab Hispar Gaiter weighs 256g (pair, size L), which while heavier than some does not detract from its performance even if stowed in a rucksack. It is easy to fit thanks to a zip and Velcro stormflap plus those press studs at the top and bottom. The underfoot strap appears more durable than some, and easy to change if it does wear out. Nothing to complain about here, and I’d happily use these. 5/5

Value

Not the cheapest gaiters on offer, but those with higher prices don’t offer much extra so the value is good. 4/5

Verdict

Rab Hispar Gaiters offer great all-round performance well-suited to most hillwalkers and backpackers; just buy them and enjoy the hills! They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.8/5

Granite Stretch material in the back and top of the Montane Vortex Stretch Gaiter is provided to enhance fit around the boot. The low height should make it more comfortable too. You still get very tough reinforced areas on the sides though. There’s a Velcro closure at the front with press studs, but the underfoot strap is made of webbing rather than being a more durable option. 4/5

Fit

It comes in sizes M and L, and the latter fitted over my size 46/11 boots easily. The webbing strap has a Velcro attachment for adjustment. The elasticated material at the rear helps to provide a close fit too. This model is mid-calf-length (the Tourbillon eVent Stretch Gaiter at £60 is the excellent full-length version). 4/5

Comfort

The Montane Vortex Stretch Gaiter is very comfortable as the material around the calf and above the boot is very soft. The gaiter is made from waterproof and breathable fabric too, but as the leg area tends to slip down this is quite a short gaiter anyway. The cord around the top is elasticated so it allows some flex of the leg muscles, and at just 172g a pair it does not weigh you down. 5/5

In use

This is a short gaiter and the cuff tends to ride down a little, so protection is far less than with longer gaiters. But it does work well apart from that and I like that it has a large lace hook and press studs on the Velcro closure as these both make it very easy to put on. The close fit and tough scuff area mean it should be durable, although the underfoot webbing strap is not as tough as some. 4/5

Value

The Montane Vortex Stretch Gaiter offers better overall performance than lower-priced short gaiters, but you can buy full-length gaiters for less. 3/5

Verdict

The Montane Vortex Stretch is a lightweight, comfortable and generally well-designed short gaiter. I’d recommend the full-length version too. 4.0/5

The Burley Double Weave fabric used in the Arc’teryx Gamma AR Pant has four-way stretch so it should be comfy and the outside is made from nylon for durability, while inside is a brushed polyester for comfort. The four front pockets are zipped and take an OS map too. There are no ankle cuff zips here, though. But you do get an elasticated waist with a belt provided. 4/5

Fit

Men’s sizes are XS-XXL in three leg lengths and women’s are US sizes 0-14. The waist area fits well thanks to the belt and elastication and while there’s no ankle-to-calf zip this area is fairly slim anyway, so the zip isn’t missed. I found the size large slightly baggier than some, so perhaps try a size down from normal. 5/5

Comfort

The Arc’teryx Gamma AR Pant’s four-way stretch helps comfort, as does the polyester backer, as this makes the fabric slightly softer against the skin than some lower-priced options. This material breathes well, and it can resist some dampness. The waistband is wide and lined with brushed polyester, and there’s a diamond crotch panel for more freedom of movement. 5/5

In use

I didn’t miss an ankle cuff zip as the cut on the calf area was good. I loved the front pockets as I could slip a guidebook or map into them easily when walking. There’s a lace hook on the ankle cuff so you can prevent this area from riding up. Some trousers have a more water-resistant knee or seat, though, which you may prefer, and some may really need that calf zip. They’re also slightly heavy. 5/5

Value

There are worse trousers with higher prices and these are better than most at lower prices. So the cost isn’t too bad. 4/5

Verdict

The Arc’teryx Gamma AR Pants are excellent trousers for general use on the hill when walking, backpacking, climbing or mountaineering. They won Trail’s ‘Best in Test’ accolade. 4.6/5

The Páramo Long Gaiter is a well-proven product that benefits from Páramo’s Nikwax Analogy material, which is far more breathable than other waterproof fabrics so you get better condensation control. There is a front zip with a press stud stormflap over the top. The underfoot strap is a tough, rubberised design that can be easily adjusted or replaced. A top drawcord and lace hook complete a good package. 5/5

Fit

A unisex design in three sizes – S, M and L – this gaiter has a short design for £32 if you don’t want the full-length version featured here. The size L fits my size 46/11 boots well and the top sits nicely under my knee. It is slightly baggier than some around the ankle and calf area than most other gaiters, however. 4/5

Comfort

Nikwax Analogy fabric insulates more than other gaiters, so the Páramo Long Gaiters feel warmer. But the material is more breathable so condensation build-up is less. It is quite soft, though, and it’s rustle-free, and so overall it feels great. One niggle is that the top press stud sits right below the front of the knee so this can be a little uncomfortable when kneeling. 4/5

In use

The wider and baggier style is a little annoying, and I would ideally prefer the slightly neater fit of other gaiters. But Páramo Long Gaiters can be easily reproofed with Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In and they are very durable, so they will really last for many years. They do feel warm, though, which is more of an issue in summer, making these better for cooler conditions. 4/5

Value

There are lower-priced gaiters that work very well, but these are more breathable and better for winter. 3/5

Verdict

Páramo Long Gaiters use a different fabric system that works particularly well in cool, wet weather, but there are some drawbacks. 4.0/5

The four-way stretch 50% nylon fabric used in the Outdoor Research Cirque trousers is durable as well as water- and wind-resistant. It isn’t a laminate so it’s also very breathable. Features include a wide waistbelt with a soft lining and Velcro adjustment. There are three front zipped pockets with large abrasion patches inside the ankle cuff. A side zip with baffle and a lace hook complete an impressive package. 5/5

Fit

Sizes are just S-XL for men and XS-L for women with no leg length options. But the waist has Velcro tab adjustment and there are belt loops plus braces loops. The ankle-to-calf zip has a baffle for adjusting the fit in this area. A lace hook also helps keep the cuff in place. Not the widest range of fits, but good adjustment. 4/5

Comfort

Four-way stretch fabric and a wide waistband with brushed lining mean the Outdoor Research Cirque trousers are comfy. A diamond crotch gusset adds freedom of movement. The material is a bit softer against the skin that some, but quite warm, so it’s more suitable for winter. They are water-resistant, like all the models we looked at, yet breathable, so they can be worn under waterproofs. 4/5

In use

The Outdoor Research Cirque trousers are intended for skiing and mountaineering and they’re very good in this situation. The three front zipped pockets can just about take an OS map, which is useful. The ankle cuff area is very practical thanks to the lace hook, eyelets for an instep cord and very tough abrasion panel in the inside. They are a little heavy but there isn’t much else wrong. 5/5

Verdict

The Outdoor Research Cirques are tough winter trousers with excellent features that are exceptionally well-priced for their performance. They won Trail’s ‘Best Value’ award. 4.6/5

Outdoor Research Crocodiles use Gore-Tex fabric, which is well-known for its waterproof and breathable performance; but you also get a much tougher 100 per cent nylon outer fabric for extra durability. The underfoot strap is made from BioThane-coated webbing for more durability. The front opening is just Velcro though with no press studs or zips, and just a top webbing and buckle adjustment. 4/5

Fit

These come in men’s sizes S-XXL and women’s sizes S-L, with the men’s and women’s cuts being slightly different for a better fit – and this is a wider size range than most. Fit is fairly close without being restrictive, although others with elastication may fit slightly closer to smaller footwear such as bendy 3-season boots. 4/5

Comfort

Outdoor Research Crocodiles are very comfortable, in part due to the use of very waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex; but also the fit is not too close, allowing some airflow, and there is no restriction of movement. I don’t like the wide cam buckle that secures the webbing at the top as this is potentially large enough to dig in a little at the side of the knee. 4/5

In use

These are a very robust and a neat fit, making them ideal for scrambling over snow and rock, slush and rubble. They are relatively easy to put on, although I would like a press stud at the bottom and top of that front Velcro opening, and ideally a zip too. If the underfoot strap did ever break then some professional sewing would be needed as this is stitched in place, while others are easier to replace. 4/5

Value

This is a more robust design than lower-priced designs so if you are tough on your gaiters the investment is worth it. 3/5

Verdict

Outdoor Research Crocodiles are very robust gaiters for crossing lots of rough terrain but they do not have a front zip or press studs for ease of fitting. 3.8/5

The Cordura fabric (97% polyester, 3% spandex) is reinforced at the knees and seat with a waterproof Cordura Hydro that is 93% nylon and 7% PU, making the Montane Super Terra Pants tough yet comfy trousers with a small amount of stretch and triple stitching for durability. There are four large front zipped pockets, zipped vents at the knees, a lace hook, calf zips without a gusset, and a waistbelt (provided). 5/5

Fit

Men’s size are S-XXL with three leg lengths, but there is no women’s version. The waist is elasticated and belted with some stretch, for a good, relaxed fit. There is an extra panel at the crotch for more freedom of movement, plus press studs at the ankle cuff. The calf zip has no internal gusset, though. 4/5

Comfort

The two-way stretch with elastication in the waist and a soft waist lining make the Montane Super Terra Pants more comfortable than many. The fit isn’t close, so comfort is high. The fabric is very breathable so you can stay comfy under waterproofs, but the seat and knees are waterproof so you can sit or kneel without getting wet. Zipped knee vents improve comfort further. 5/5

In use

On the hill the weight is a drawback if you ever want to put on shorts instead and stash these in your pack. But the Montane Super Terra Pants feel durable and have four excellent front pockets, two of which take a map, while the thigh pockets are a little smaller. I’d like the leg zip to have a gusset so I could manage the fit here better, but it is fine. The lace hook is useful for keeping the ankle cuff in place. 4/5

Value

A good price for very well-designed trousers that are hard to fault and are ideal for backpacking and mountaineering. 4/5

Verdict

The Montane Super Terra Pants are well-featured (but not perfectly featured) trousers at a good price for what you get, but they are quite heavy. 4.4/5

Sherpa is owned and run by Sherpas, and most of the company’s products are made in Kathmandu. The Lakpa Rita Pant is designed with eVent 3-layer fabric. It features thigh-length side zips with loops at the ankle cuff so you can tie down the cuffs to prevent them riding up when wading through snow. The knees are articulated too. 5/5

Fit

Available in sizes S to XXL for men and XS to XL for women, but without leg length options. The waist is elasticated and has belt loops, so there is some scope for fine-tuning. On me the fit was good with quite a high waist that is ideal for keeping the back and waist dry. There is no adjustment at the cuff, but none is needed as these are not too flappy. 5/5

Comfort

There is some stretch in the waist, and this makes a lot of difference when moving around. There is no other stretch, though; however I still found the Sherpa Lakpa Rita Pant quite comfortable despite their use of stiff 3-layer eVent fabric, which is well-proven for providing superior waterproofness and breathability. A double zip at the fly is also provided to facilitate toilet breaks. 5/5

In use

These are not quite as fully featured as a full-blown mountaineering pant, but they have enough of the essentials to make them ideal for most hillwalkers and Munro-baggers in the UK. The thigh-length zips allow them to be fitted easily, the weight is tolerable in a pack and they are sufficiently durable, waterproof and breathable to be comfy in most conditions. 5/5

Value

Pricy, but you get one of the best fabrics; and the absence of some features mean the Sherpa Lakpa Rita Pant is not the most expensive option. 3/5

Verdict

Superb overtrousers for most UK hill conditions, and while not cheap they are a great investment. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.6/5

The main feature here is the low weight combined with a full-length side zip that benefits from an external stormflap. But Vaude Yaras Rain Zip Pant overtrousers also use Bluesign-approved fabric, meaning they meets certain environmental criteria. There is reinforcement in the seat, a zipped fly, and an elasticated waist too. There are no belt loops and no waist drawcord, however. 4/5

Fit

The size range is S to XXXL but there is no specific women’s; however Vaude does make various other women’s waterproof overtrousers with different prices and features. The long side zip makes these easy to get on. The waist is elasticated but there are no belt loops and no drawcord, so check the fit carefully. 4/5

Comfort

Like a lot of very lightweight products, the Vaude Yaras Rain Zip Pant is made of a 2.5-layer fabric, in this case Vaude’s Ceplex Active. Like all 2.5-layer materials condensation is more noticeable than in mesh-lined trousers or 3-layer laminates, but on overtrousers I don’t find this a big problem. The weight benefit further improves comfort. 4/5

In use

What I like about the Yaras is that the ankle cuff is not too tight and elasticated, so the cuff sits over the top of boots well, which is not the case with some other lightweight trousers in this price range. Also you get very long side zips that also have external stormflaps and you can ‘Velcro in’ the calf area for a closer fit if needed. There’s also a zip fly. 5/5

Value

The low weight plus long side zips adds to the price, but Vaude Yaras Rain Zip Pants are comparable to other lightweight overtrousers. A short-zip version costs £80. 4/5

Verdict

Vaude Yaras Rain Zip Pants are superb if you want a few more features than lightweight, running-orientated designs, but heavier trousers have benefits. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.2/5

The North Face Point Five NG overtrousers are mountaineering pants with all the features you need for tackling the toughest terrain in the toughest of conditions. So you get a tough 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric with abrasion patches at the ankle cuff. The side zips are full-length, there is a gaiter inside the ankle and braces are provided to ensure the trousers stay in place while you scramble. 5/5

Fit

Available in men’s 30 to 38 inch waist with both regular and long leg lengths, but no women’s version is available. The fit is very good thanks to articulated knees and those braces that ensure they stay in place. The internal gaiter gets a lace hook to keep it in place but there is no adjustment on the calf or cuff, however it was not too flappy here. 5/5

Comfort

The North Face Point Five NG overtrousers have no stretch, and they’re made of robust 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell so they are more restrictive than lighter trousers. But they protect against wind and rain better than light options. A double zip at the fly would have made toilet breaks easier, while stretch in the waistband may have eased comfort. Quite heavy too, making them a burden in a rucksack. 4/5

In use

Like a lot of kit designed for mountaineering and alpinists, The North Face Point Five NG overtrousers are superb for walking or scrambling to the top of Lakeland fells, Munros and Welsh summits in the toughest of weather. I’m always cautious about exposed side zips, but these have not leaked yet. I love the rest of the design in use and would choose these for tough conditions. 5/5

Value

TNF Point Five NG overtrousers carry the highest price tag and are heavy, but they offer the best performance for the toughest conditions. 3/5

Verdict

The North Face Point Five NG overtrousers are among the best you can buy for when the going gets really tough; the drawbacks are weight and price. 4.4/5

Montane Minimus overtrousers are very lightweight, and established favourites thanks to their combination of features. You get Pertex Shield fabric, which has excellent waterproofness and breathability, low weight and some essential features such as a waist with elastication and drawcord plus adjustment down the legs for a good fit. They lack the features of higher-priced options though. 4/5

Fit

Available in XS to XXL for men and 6 to 16 for women, Montane Minimus overtrousers are close-fitting – and you can make the fit even closer by adjusting the calf and ankle Velcro tabs. The ankle cuff is elasticated so you need to wear these over gaiters to prevent water creeping into your boots. The elasticated and drawcorded waist helps keep them in place. 4/5

Comfort

As Montane Minimus overtrousers are so light you can forget they are on, and as there is no loose mesh lining they tend to feel unobtrusive and don’t easily snag on undergarment zips. The Pertex Shield fabric offers superb waterproofness and breathability although condensation is slightly better managed by 3-layer laminates. 4/5

In use

The weight makes Montane Minimus overtrousers superb for summer use when they live in your rucksack. In the depths of winter or in driving rain, heavier trousers offer a little more wind and insulating protection and have better ankle areas. Also, heavier trousers are more durable. But these are ideal for fast and light trips and backpacking outside of the worst conditions. 4/5

Value

You are paying for the low weight here, plus a good level of waterproofness and breathability from the fabric. 4/5

Verdict

Montane Minimus overtrousers are superb for travelling fast and light through the hills, but when the weather is really wild then others have benefits. 4.0/5

In the competitive £30 to £40 price range the Sprayway Santiago just about has the edge on its competitors due to its feature list. It gets a nylon lining inside to improve comfort, but this is not mesh so it won’t snag easily. The waist is elasticated and has a drawcord. The side zip is knee-length and you get a Velcro tab adjuster at the ankle cuff. 4/5

Fit

The Santiago is available for men in sizes XS-XXL with two leg lengths, while the Atlanta for women is available in sizes 8 to 20 and two leg lengths. An elasticated waist and drawcord help the fit but on me I felt they were baggier than other trousers of the same size, so I suggest trying a size down from normal. 3/5

Comfort

The weight of 374g (size L) is acceptable in a rucksack and the nylon lining provides some additional comfort without fear of snagging on boots when putting them on. The material is Sprayway’s HydroDry, which is not as breathable as the higher-priced options, but it’s good at this price. The looser fit adds to the comfort too as does the elasticated waist. 4/5

In use

The Sprayway Santiago/Atlanta are good general-purpose overtrousers. The knee-length zips allow them to fit over boots reasonably well and there is a gusset behind the zip, so if it leaks you stay dry. The ankle cuff can be taken in a little with the Velcro tab adjuster and the elasticated waist is great. The fit is looser than ideal but that will vary between users. 4/5

Value

For £40 the Sprayway Santiago/Atlanta are a good buy, but if you can spend more you get even better trousers. Great value though. 5/5

Verdict

Compared to other overtrousers at this price, Sprayway Santiago/Atlanta are a great option if £40 is your budget. 4.0/5

The Berghaus Deluge has been a superb value-for-money product for several years and it benefits from a good selection of functional features. So you get the all-important thigh-length side zips, so you can easily get these on over your boots. Those zips also get an external stormflap to keep rain out. An elasticated waist with drawcord is also provided, but not much else. 4/5

Fit

Berghaus Deluge overtrousers comes in three leg lengths with men’s sizes from XS to XXXL and women’s sizes from 8 to 20. There is an elasticated waist with a drawcord but no other adjustment so fit is baggier than higher-priced, more tailored trousers but not so baggy as to be annoying. The ankle cuff is wide enough to sit over the top of your boots. 4/5

Comfort

Berghaus Deluge overtrousers are a reasonable weight so they feel quite unrestrictive on, particularly as they are quite loose. The fabric is AQ2 from Berghaus and has a mesh lining, which is irritating when putting the trousers on, but comfortable. Breathability is not as good as higher-priced options but that mesh lining helps maintain comfort. 4/5

In use

At 384g (size L) you can carry Berghaus Deluge overtrousers in your rucksack and not feel weighed down. They are easy to get on and off thanks to that long zip, and they are comfortable. The fabric is not the best available, the cut is a bit baggy and there are no finer details as found on the higher-priced option, but for general walking on a budget they are excellent. 4/5

Value

The price is superb as Berghaus Deluge overtrousers are actually better than many in the £50 to £100 price bracket, except in terms of weight. 5/5

Verdict

Berghaus Deluge overtrousers are not the absolute best, but they are the best general-purpose trousers under £100, making them ideal for most hillwalkers. They win Trail’s ‘approved’ accolade. 4.2/5

Regatta Byrne overtrousers have provided budget protection for several years and they has a good set of features for the price. The waist is elasticated with a drawcord. The legs have calf-length zips with external stormflaps and there is a Velcro tab to adjust the ankle area a little. Not a lot of features, but some trousers at this or a higher price have even fewer! 3/5

Fit

Regatta Byrne overtrousers come in men’s sizes XS to XXXL and one leg length, with the nearest women’s equivalent being the Regatta Amelie II at £35 in sizes S to XL and two leg lengths. The fit is described as ‘relaxed’, and while it is a little baggy around the hips, the leg fit is not too bad compared to some at this price. 3/5

Comfort

The Isotex 5000 fabric is waterproof and breathable, but it cannot boast the lab results of pricier materials so some condensation is more likely here. There is no lining either so you’ll tend to notice any condensation that develops. There are two slash pockets that allow access to your undergarment pockets, but these could allow water in. 3/5

In use

At 297g (size L) you can carry Regatta Byrne overtrousers in your rucksack easily. The side zips are just about long enough (depending on your foot size) to get them on over boots, but longer zips would be better. The fit is not perfect, the material is not superb, but they still perform better than many trousers for £30. 3/5

Value

Outstanding value for money and if you really cannot find another 10 quid then buy these and head to the hills as you won’t find better at this price. 5/5

Verdict

Regatta Byrne overtrousers do a good job at keeping you dry and comfy, but paying more brings much better performance. 3.4/5

The four-way stretch fabric should improve comfort and the desire to wear Dare2be Overlay overtrousers all day. They also have an elasticated waist with elasticated drawcord. Full-length side zips with external stormflaps are also provided and there is a mesh lining in the waist and hip area, but this does not extend down the legs and the trousers are quite heavy at 467g (size L). 4/5

Fit

Dare2be Overlay overtrousers are available in unisex sizes from XXS to XXL but with no women’s cut. Full-length side zips make them easy to get on and that elasticated waist and drawcord helps the fit. The knees are articulated too and these did fit me well overall, but do check fit before buying – particularly if you’re taller, shorter or female. 4/5

Comfort

That stretch material should and does make Dare2be Overlay overtrousers more comfortable and less restrictive than other trousers. The mesh lining around the waist area improves comfort further, but they could get a little clammy in the thighs where there is no lining. The Ared Stretch material is not as breathable as higher-priced options. But the trousers are reasonably comfy. 4/5

In use

I was hesitant about Dare2be Overlay overtrousers at first, but I have grown to like them. They have just the right blend of features, the fit is great over boots, the cut is not too baggy and the material feels quite durable too. They are a little heavy, so not the best for carrying in a rucksack, but they are a great all-rounder if you value that stretch material and they fit you. 4/5

Value

Stretch materials add to the price, but you are getting long zips too and so Dare2be Overlay overtrousers compare very favourably with others at this price. 4/5

Verdict

With Dare2be Overlay overtrousers you get improved comfort from stretch materials and good zips. Pity there’s no leg length choice or women’s fit, though; and they’re heavy. 4.0/5

Páramo Cascada II overtrousers are an extremely popular and well-established favourite with British hillwalkers, thanks to unique fabric that is more breathable than most other options while also keeping the user dry in typical British mountain weather. You get nice long side zips with press studs so you can vent the leg. The knees are articulated and there is cuff adjustment. 5/5

Fit

For men these are available in sizes S to XXL and for women they are available in sizes XS to XL with three leg lengths on offer. Páramo Cascada II overtrousers has a slimmer fit than in the past, making them a better fit for most people in theory – and for me they do fit better. The waist is elasticated and has belt loops so you can tweak the fit as needed. 5/5

Comfort

The new fit is closer but still not restrictive and I also like the softness of the fabric as this allows ease of movement. In cold, wet conditions Páramo Cascada II overtrousers do feel far cosier than conventional overtrousers but I find that in warmer, wet weather they can be too warm. So not always ideal as trousers to wear all year, unlike some options. 4/5

In use

At 523g (size L) Páramo Cascada II overtrousers are quite heavy so you’ll notice them in your pack, but in cold weather they are comfy enough to wear all day so this is less of a drawback, except for sunny winter days. They are easily reproofed and tend to maintain their performance longer than conventional trousers thanks to their reproofing ability, which is more effective than others’. 4/5

Value

Páramo Cascada II overtrousers are a good price as from my experience this system lasts far longer than other trousers and hence they are worth the outlay. 4/5

Verdict

Páramo Cascada II overtrousers are some of the best walking trousers available for cold and wet conditions; but in warmer wet weather others have advantages. 4.4/5